James E. Bryant

Rev. James Edward "J. E." Bryant went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, July 12, 2017, at his home near Blackburn in rural Pawnee County, Oklahoma. James was born on June 17, 1930, in Bridgetown, Texas. He was one of thirteen children of Jim "Frank" and Hazel Imojean (Bowker) Bryant.
James moved at an early age with his family to the Carlsbad, New Mexico where he was raised and received his education. He began working at a young age to assist with the care of his family accepting employment initially in Carlsbad Caverns. He later accepted a position working in the pot ash (potassium sulfate) mines in the area. James moved to Oklahoma in 1948 where he met Betty Lou Smith. The couple dated for nearly four years before being united in marriage on May 17, 1952, at the parsonage of the First Assembly of God Church in Cleveland, Oklahoma.
The couple moved shortly after their marriage to Tatum, New Mexico as James accepted employment returning to the mines and working in the oilfield. Since Betty had not seen much of the country, the couple frequently moved during the next six years enjoying their life as James picked up work as they traveled. Upon on the birth of their son Joe, the couple returned to Oklahoma and settled on property in rural Pawnee County, near Blackburn. For the remainder of his life, James alongside his wife, Betty farmed and raised animals, cattle, hogs, and chickens. J. E. was a self-taught welder and accepted employment with National Tank in Sand Springs assembling storage tanks for the company. He worked there for many years.
In the early 1980's, J. E. accepted the call from his heavenly father to serve as an evangelist. He taught and preached in various Independent Holiness Churches throughout the area, preaching the gospel of truth. He often quoted his favorite scripture, John 8:32, "and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." After accepting his call to the ministry, J. E. dedicated his life to working for the Lord, loving his family and friends and talking to them about the Lord.
J. E. is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Betty Lou of the home; a son, Kenneth Joe Bryant of Pawnee, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Amanda Bryant, Shannan Bryant, J. T. Bryant, and Levi Bryant; three great grandchildren, Traivon Bryant, Elsie Castro, and Reagan Bryant; one great great grandchild, Marcel Bryant; and six sisters, Mollie, Rosezella, LaJuan, Frankie, Ethel and Anita; numerous nieces, nephews and other family and friends who will mourn his passing. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Leslie, Lloyd, Jess and Herman; and two sisters, Mildred and Onia.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, July 17, 2017, at the Chapel of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home with Rev. Tommy Toliver officiating. Burial will follow at the Blackburn Cemetery under the direction of the Chapman-